The Sato Project
Rating: 4.92 stars 227 227 reviews 7,200
Address:
130 Water St Brooklyn NY 11201 USA
Mission:
The Sato Project is dedicated to rescuing abused and abandoned dogs from Puerto Rico.
Results:
Since its inception in 2011, The Sato Project has placed more than 7,500 stray dogs with loving families across the mainland United States. It has primarily focused its rescue efforts around the area of Yabucoa, home to the infamous “Dead Dog Beach,” a popular dumping ground for abandoned pets and litters of puppies; on its shores, disease and rampant breeding produced feral packs of dogs numbering in the hundreds, competing for limited food and fresh water and transmitting illness back and forth. Thanks to the work of The Sato Project, that area is now largely clear of strays. Some of the organization’s other initiatives have included the distribution of 150k lbs of humanitarian and emergency animal supplies after natural disasters such as earthquakes and Hurricane Maria, as well as pulling dogs from overburdened municipal shelters with extremely high euthanasia rates. In 2023, The BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell donated crucial medical supplies and surgical equipment to launch the first Operation Sato, which examined, spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped more than 1,200 dogs in just six days, completely free of cost to families. Building off the success of its collaboration with BISSELL, in 2024 The Sato Project partnered with Dra. Adriana Luna, a local veterinarian in Puerto Rico who runs the nonprofit LunaVetHelp. Since joining forces, Operation Sato and LunaVetHelp have continued to organize local Operation Sato events in different municipalities around Puerto Rico.
Target demographics:
some of the estimated 650,000 stray dogs suffering on the streets and beaches of Puerto Rico, and to make strides in disrupting the overpopulation crisis on the island once and for all.
Direct beneficiaries per year:
398 dogs rescued, rehabilitated and flown to new homes on the mainland, and 1,200+ dogs spay/neutered/vaccinated at our first Operation Sato event.
Geographic areas served:
Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, in and around a place (unfortunately) known as Dead Dog Beach.
Programs:
Disrupting the overpopulation crisis on the island of Puerto Rico with a one-two punch, expanded approach to rescue: adoptions and Freedom Flights alongside spay/neuter/vaccination and TNR services.
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Reviews for The Sato Project
Yes, I have a wonderful pup from The Sato Project, but I followed them for years before I adopted her because they do such good work! Their dedication to spay/neuter clinics on the island and to spreading the word about the challenges of the stray population in PR are so admirable. I would rate them 10/10 but wish they had far less work to do. Plus, their doggies are the cutest!
1 person found this review helpful
I have adopted three Satos through the Sato Project, and words cannot express my gratitude and admiration for this nonprofit. They are tackling the problem of dog overpopulation and homelessness on Puerto Rico from every angle - through adoptions, free spay/neuter and vaccine clinics, and community outreach. They care so much about each Sato they rescue and their adoption team ensures that each Sato is matched with the right family. The medical care they receive before they fly and the records they are sent home with are so thorough - our vet has been impressed every time. This is an organization with heart and soul, and they deserve all the recognition in the world!!! We love The Sato Project!!!!
Such an amazing and compassionate organization! They work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and get these dogs loving homes. We will be forever grateful for our amazing Sato!
We adopted our puppy from the Sato Project, everything from the moment we submitted our application, to the screening process, to picking up our pup, had been extremely well organized and transparent. I’ve fostered for other rescue organizations, but the Sato Project had been the most detail-oriented and well operated we’ve seen. Everyone truly has the interest of the pups in mind. We are very happy to have adopted from them.
1 person found this review helpful
The Sato Project is a wonderful organization. The volunteers are truly angels doing God’s work. Each dog they rescue is given a thorough health check & showered with love. We fostered a dog 18 months ago. She came to us a healthy yet timid girl. She stole our hearts & we adopted her 11 days later. She is loving & sweet. She is our Honey girl & we can’t image life without her.
I have gotten both of my dogs here! I adopted 1 yo Amber 5 years ago after Hurricane Maria in PR. I adopted Gabby, 7 yo, last summer. He was actually a foster fail of mine! The people I worked with when figuring out the right dog for me were so caring and helpful. They handed over complete medical info for the dogs, which was very helpful in starting them up with my local vet. The community of adopters is wonderful, also. We are always reaching out to share cute pix and ask/answer Qs about our sato pups.
I adopted a dog from TSP about 5 years ago. The whole experience has been great. My beloved Amber was still being treated for a tick-borne disease when I got her and the group handled everything related to that. I am now fostering a dog for them and they check in regularly and keep me updated with possible adopters. They appreciate all the photos I send of the foster, Gabby, with my sato ... I recommend The Sato Project to anyone who is looking to adopt a dog or who is just interested in following some uplifiting stories!
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would get more press coverage of the dogs they help and the workers involved.
Our Sato, Zeke, was born to a Puerto Rican street dog. Mama and her pups were rescued by the Sato Project, flown to NYC, and fostered until they were trained to be house pets. The Sato Project built an impressive adoption network and a seamless adoption process. Our Zeke is a handsome, sweet, and whip-smart dog who is a mix of every mutt that ever walked the streets of Puerto Rico. He enriches our lives every day, and I shudder to think of his life on the streets had the Sato Project not existed. This organization saves precious canine lives and delivers love to the lives of lucky humans!
I adopted my Sato this past June and was extremely impressed with the care and love that everyone at this org shows for the dogs. The application process was thorough, as I would expect from a reputable rescue, but throughout the process, the team kept me informed and promptly addressed any questions and concerns that I had. My Sato, Mara, had been extremely skittish and frightened when she was rescued, but the staff in PR, particularly Mariel, worked with her extensively to build her trust. While she is still wary of new people, their work and love provided an excellent foundation for her that has been critical as she has settled into our family. Everyone at The Sato Project puts their heart into their work- I cannot recommend them highly enough!
We adopted our puppy earlier this month. The Sato Project has checked in on us, offered advice, and made the transition from foster care to our pup's permanent home flawless! It is so comforting knowing that we have them by our side!
1 person found this review helpful
We have been enthusiastic supporters of the incredible work ongoing by The Sato Project, and we were so excited to have the chance to adopt last autumn. The perfect addition to our family from a rescue organization deeply committed to community and animal wellbeing. We are thankful for our pup and for all of the efforts of everyone in this amazing organization. They are making a real difference every single day.
